Jet Ski Lift

ABSTRACT

A jet ski lift ( 100 ) for lifting a jet ski ( 10 ) out of water. The jet ski lift ( 100 ) includes a frame ( 128 ) with angled runners ( 150, 152, 156, 158 ) that permits a platform assembly ( 126 ) to be moved diagonally while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a lifting assembly for smallwatercraft, particularly jet skis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional watercraft lifts exist for lifting boats out of the water.Many of these are configured for larger watercraft and ill-suited forwatercraft such as jet skis. Lifts configured for small watercraft areusually designed for light-weight watercraft such as row boats, canoesand kayaks, which are inappropriate for jet skis, which can weigh asmuch as 423 Kg (933 lbs.). Existing lifts which might accommodate jetskis often rely on a tilt mechanism to pivot the jet ski out of water.Such lifts are prone to frequent breakdown because the heavy weight ofthe jet ski is concentrated along a single pivot or hinge axis.Furthermore, such lifts usually require a stable structure onto whichthe lift is fixed, which does not lend itself easily to situations wherea portable, floating lift is desired. Therefore, what is needed is a jetski lift which is easier to maintain, durable and has improvedstructural integrity when compared to conventional lifts.

SUMMARY

The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for a jet skilift for lifting a jet ski out of water. The jet ski lift includes aportable flotation having a leading end, a trailing end and opposedsides from the leading end to the trailing end, the flotation includinga horizontal plane through the front end, trailing end and sides, theflotation including a parking bay configured to receive the jet skitherein. The jet ski lift further includes at least one runner fixed tothe flotation at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of theflotation. The jet ski lift also includes a platform assembly having anupper surface configured to receive the jet ski thereon, the platformassembly including a portion moveable within at least a portion of therunner; and a lifting mechanism configured to move at least the uppersurface of the platform assembly from a first, submerged position to asecond, elevated position out of the water.

In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides for alifting assembly for lifting a jet ski out of water. The liftingassembly includes a frame including first and second opposed runners,the runners being parallel to one another and being in a fixed,unmovable position relative to one another. The lifting assembly alsoincludes a platform assembly having an upper surface configured toreceive the jet ski thereon, the platform assembly including a firstportion moveable within at least a portion of the first runner, theplatform assembly including a second portion moveable within at least aportion of the second runner, the platform assembly being diagonallymoveable along the frame from a first, submerged lower horizontalposition to a second, elevated horizontal position out of the water.

In further preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method forlifting a jet ski out of water. The method incudes engaging a jet skiwith a platform configured to receive the jet ski, the platform beingsecured to a structure; and moving the platform diagonally from a first,submerged position to a second, elevated position out of the waterwithout pivoting the platform relative to the structure.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is side elevation view of a jet ski lift in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a partial cross sectional view taken around line 1A of theleading end of the hull of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1, shownwithout a roof attachment.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a trailing end view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of a jet ski lift for lifting ajet ski 10 out of water. Jet ski lift 100 preferably includes aflotation or watercraft 102 and a lifting assembly 104. In use, anoperator manoeuvrers their jet ski into a parking bay of the watercraftand actuates the lifting assembly to diagonally move a platform assembly(described in more detail below) from a first, submerged position to asecond, elevated position out of the water. The preferred elements ofthe jet ski lift and their interrelationship are described below.

Referring to FIG. 1, jet ski lift 100 preferably includes watercraft102, more preferably, a pontoon watercraft, to provide the jet ski withflotational mobility while in the water. This has advantages over jetski lifts fixed to immovable structures. For example, a water-borne jetski lift may be moved quickly in the event of a flood, whereas a jet skilift on a dock may become inundated during a flood event.

Watercraft 102 preferably includes a hull 106, a leading end 108, atrailing end 110, and opposed first and second sides 112, 114,respectively, which each extend from leading end 108 to trailing end110. Watercraft 102 preferably includes a parking bay 116 sized andconfigured to accommodate the dimensions of an average jet ski therein.

As shown in FIG. 1, watercraft 102 preferably includes a roof 118 forshielding a jet ski parked in parking bay 116 from any adverse weather.If desired, solar panels may be attached to roof 118 to power anelectric wench, described in further detail below. One or more lightsmay be attached to roof 118 to improve visibility in low lightconditions.

FIG. 1A shows leading end 108 of watercraft 102 preferably including astorage compartment 120 in the hull of the pontoon. Storage compartment120 is preferably sized and configured to retain a wench, which ispreferably part of lifting assembly 104. Storage compartment 120 may besufficiently dimensioned to store other objects as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, jet ski lift 100 preferably includes apair of U-shaped members 122, 124 that help prevent damage to thewatercraft and lifting assembly caused where the water level is tooshallow.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, lifting assembly 104 preferably includesa platform assembly 126, a frame 128 and a lifting mechanism 130. Theupper portion of platform assembly 126 preferably includes a pair ofparallel bars 132, 134 oriented along the length of watercraft 102. Eachbar 132, 134 preferably includes a layer or coating of a frictionmaterial 136 on its upper surface so that when engaged with the bottomof jet ski 10, the jet ski will frictionally engage each bar to minimisedisengagement therefrom.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the lower portion ofplatform assembly 126 preferably includes a pair of cross bars 138, 140oriented perpendicular to the length of bars 132, 134. Each cross bar138, 140 has axially opposed ends 142, 144. Each cross bar 138, 140preferably includes a roller 146 at end 142, and a second roller 148 atend 144. Rollers 146, 148 are preferably configured to engage a portionof frame 128, described in further detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, frame 128 preferably includes a first pair ofrunners 150, 152 for engagement with the respective rollers 146 of thecross bars of platform assembly 126. Runners 150, 152 are preferablyattached to the inner surface of side 112 of watercraft 102. FIG. 5shows runners 150, 152 being substantially parallel to one another andfixed diagonally relative to a horizontal plane of watercraft 102. Toincrease the stability of runners 150, 152, frame 126 preferablyincludes a cross bar or brace 154 connecting runners 150, 152 at theirrespective lower portions.

Frame 126 preferably includes a second pair of runners 156, 158 directlyopposite first pair of runners 150, 152 along the width of watercraft102. Second pair of runners 156, 158 are preferably connected by a crossbar or brace 160 at their respective lower portions. Second pair ofrunners 156, 158 are preferably parallel to one another and angled atthe same angle as first pair of runners 150, 152. When composing frame126, runners 150 and 156 are preferably parallel to each other, andrunners 152 and 158 are preferably parallel to each other. As shown inFIG. 5, each runner preferably includes a groove to facilitateengagement of the runner with a respective roller of the platformassembly. Each runner further preferably includes axially opposite ends.At least one, preferably both ends include a stop to limit travel of aroller therealong. The stop may be configured as a closed end or wall.

Referring to FIG. 1, lifting mechanism 130 is preferably a wench, morepreferably an electric wench. If desired, lifting mechanism 130 may bepowered by mains power and/or an independent power source such as solarpanels and/or one or more wind turbines. It will be appreciated thatlifting mechanism may be configured for manual operation if desired.

Preferably, lifting mechanism 130 includes a magnetic reed switchconfigured to shut off power and stop the forward progression of a cableattached to jet ski 10. Lifting mechanism 130 may be further configuredto operate via a remote control, described in further detail below.

Preferred dimensions are set forth below, although it will beappreciated that the dimensions may be varied as suitable for theintended application. Watercraft 102 preferably has a maximum exteriorlength in the range of 2.2 meters to 4.0 meters measured from the planescontaining the distal-most portions of leading end 108 and trailing end110. Watercraft 102 more preferably has an exterior length in the rangeof 3.0 to 4.0 meters, and most preferably, approximately 3.8 meters asmeasured between the aforementioned planes.

Watercraft 102 preferably has a maximum exterior width in the range of1.2 meters to 1.6 meters perpendicular to the length of watercraft 102.The maximum exterior width is more preferably in the range of 1.3 metersto 1.6 meters, and most preferably approximately 1.5 meters.

Parking bay 116 preferably is shaped to accommodate the dimension ofmost jet skis and has an inner length parallel to the maximum exteriorlength of watercraft 102. Preferably, the maximum length of parking bay116 is in the range of 2.0 meters to 4.0 meters, more preferably 3.0meters to 4.0 meters, and most preferably approximately 3.5 meters.Parking bay 116 preferably has a maximum length of no greater than 3.5meters, which is important so that the entire length of the jet ski willfit within the parking bay.

Parking bay 116 preferably has a maximum width in the range of 0.70meters to 1.5 meters, more preferably a range of 1.2 meters to 1.45meters, and most preferably approximately 1.4 meters. Parking bay 116preferably has a maximum width of no greater than 1.4 meters, which isimportant so that the gap between any jet ski in the parking bay and theinner sides of the parking bay is not too large to create a trippinghazard, but large enough to prevent scraping between the jet ski and thewatercraft.

The angles of the runners composing frame 126 may be varied. Preferably,the angels of each runner range between 30 to 60 degrees relative to thehorizontal plane of watercraft 102. More preferably, the angle of eachrunner is approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

The ranges described above may include a subset of ranges thereinwithout departing from the scope of the present invention. It will beappreciated that these dimensions are representative only and may bevaried as appropriate.

Preferably, watercraft 102 and lifting assembly 104 are formed of ametal such as aluminium or an alloy thereof. Other suitable materialsinclude fibreglass and steel. The materials of the watercraft and thelifting assembly may be the same or different as desired. Suitablematerials for the platform include polyethlene.

Having described the preferred components of jet ski 100, a preferredmethod of use will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.

Referring to FIG. 1, an operator manoeuvrers jet ski 10 into parking bay116 of watercraft 102 while platform assembly 126 is in a first,submerged position. Once the jet ski is sufficiently over parallel bars132, 134 (FIG. 5) and further forward motion is impeded by a stopprojecting from the platform assembly, the operator presses a remotecontrol to activate lifting mechanism 130 to wench a cable connected tothe stop to diagonally move platform assembly 126 from the first,submerged position to a second, elevated position in which at least theupper portion of the platform assembly breaches the surface of thewater. During movement of the platform assembly between the first andsecond positions, rollers 146, 148 (FIG. 5) roll along respectivegrooves in the runners of frame 128. A magnetic reed switch locatedproximate the distal-most point of travel of at least one of the rollersstops lifting mechanism from further wenching of the cable.

The jet ski may be disengaged from the jet ski lift by letting the cablerun, either controllably via lifting mechanism 130, or manually, therebylowering the platform assembly back into the water until sufficientlysubmerged to permit the jet ski to manoeuvre free of bars 132, 134 (FIG.5).

It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performedin a different order, varied, or some steps omitted entirely withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. For example only, anoperator may park their jet ski in the parking bay, disembark from thejet ski, then wench the platform assembly to an elevated height ratherthan relying on a remote control or automatic lift.

The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be variedconsiderably without departing from the scope of the present invention.For example only, the jet ski lift may be manufactured without anassociated watercraft. In this example, the lifting assembly may beattached to a stationary structure, such as a dock or boathouse. When awatercraft is used to provide an attachment structure for the liftingassembly, the watercraft may take various forms without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. For example only, the watercraft maybe a solid flotation (i.e., not a pontoon). The watercraft may be ayacht to which the lifting assembly is attached. The watercraft ispreferably a small, mobile flotation capable of being tied to a dock.The watercraft may include mooring clicks to engage a jetty. Thewatercraft itself preferably does not any propulsion means such as apropeller, but has a parking bay as noted above and at least oneattachment point for securing the watercraft to a dock or other fairlystable structure.

The lifting mechanism may be automatic and/or manual. Where the liftingmechanism is automatic, it may be electric or gas-powered. Electriclifting mechanisms may be powered by solar cells, wind turbines, mainspower, or any combination thereof.

The cable for moving the platform assembly between positions may beconfigured for attachment to the jet ski so that pulling the jet skiforward (while it is against the forward stop of the platform assembly)moves the platform assembly from the first position to the secondposition.

Preferably, the jet ski lift is used only for lifting a jet ski out ofthe water. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the jet ski lift isconfigured only for jet skis, and dimensions accommodating watercraftother than jet skis are hereby excluded. A person of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate the typical dimensions of a jet ski andunderstand the scope of the dimensions being excluded in the embodimentof the present invention configured only for use with jet skis.

Preferably the lifting assembly utilises rollers to move the platformassembly between positions. Other means may be utilised to move theplatform assembly without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example only, the platform assembly may include one ormore shafts that engage one or more corresponding shafts of the frame ina telescopic manner, with one of the shafts slideably engaging theother. Engagement of the platform assembly via rollers or telescopicinteraction are but a few of the ways that the platform assembly may bemoved while maintaining the platform in a substantially horizontalorientation during movement from the first position to the secondposition. Another example may include a chain drive in one of more ofthe runners, thereby eliminating any need for a cable wench. In apreferred form, pivotal or hinged movement of the platform assembly isspecifically excluded because of the disadvantages mentioned above.

The frame may include anywhere from one to many runners. The frame ispreferably fixed to the sides of the structure. The frame may beintegrally attached by welding, or securely attached by means such asrivets and/or bolts or other fasteners. One or more of the runners mayinclude a ratchet mechanism to inhibit rearward motion of the platformassembly as a safety enhancement.

Although diagonal movement of the platform assembly is preferred whenmoving from the first position to the second position, the platform maybe elevated in a straight vertical manner, for example, via a chaindrive placed in one or more of the runners, which would permit theplatform assembly to be elevated while maintaining a substantiallyhorizontal orientation.

The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied toother embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features ofother embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages ofdurability and simplicity that are often lacking in devices in the priorart. Additionally, the configuration of the lifting assembly enhancesthe weight distribution, leading to a longer-lasting jet ski liftcompared to conventional devices.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A jet ski lift for lifting a jet ski out ofwater, the jet ski lift comprising: a portable flotation having aleading end, a trailing end and opposed sides from said leading end tosaid trailing end, said flotation including a horizontal plane throughsaid front end, trailing end and sides, said flotation including aparking bay configured to receive the jet ski therein; at least onerunner fixed to said flotation at an angle relative to the horizontalplane of said flotation; a platform assembly having an upper surfaceconfigured to receive the jet ski thereon, said platform assemblyincluding a portion moveable within at least a portion of said runner;and a lifting mechanism configured to move at least said upper surfaceof said platform assembly from a first, submerged position to a second,elevated position out of the water.
 2. The jet ski lift of claim 1,wherein said portion of said platform assembly includes a rollerconfigured to rotate along said runner.
 3. The jet ski lift of claim 1,wherein said portion of said platform assembly is configured to slidealong a portion of said runner while said platform moves from the firstposition to the second position.
 4. The jet ski lift of claim 1, whereinsaid portion of said platform assembly is configured to telescopicallyengage said runner.
 5. The jet ski lift of claim 1, further comprisingat least a second runner parallel to said runner.
 6. The jet ski lift ofclaim 5, wherein said runner is attached to one of said sides, saidsecond runner being attached to the other of said sides.
 7. The jet skilift of claim 5, wherein said runner and said second runner are attachedto a single side of said flotation.
 8. The jet ski lift of claim 1,wherein said runner is fixed to said flotation at an angle between 30and 60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of said flotation. 9.The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said runner is fixed to saidflotation at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to thehorizontal plane of said flotation.
 10. The jet ski lift of claim 1,wherein said platform assembly includes two parallel bars configured toengage the jet ski.
 11. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein saidlifting mechanism includes a wench.
 12. The jet ski lift of claim 11,wherein said wench is manually operable.
 13. The jet ski lift of claim1, wherein said lifting mechanism is electrically powered.
 14. The jetski lift of claim 13, wherein said lifting mechanism includes a safetyswitch configure to shut off said lifting mechanism once a jet ski beinglifted on said platform assembly has reached a predetermined position.15. The jet ski lift of claim 13, wherein said lifting mechanism ispowered at least in part by a solar panel.
 16. The jet ski lift of claim1, wherein said upper surface of said platform assembly includes a stopconfigured to limit forward motion of the jet ski therealong, saidlifting mechanism including a cable attachable to the jet ski, saidlifting mechanism being configured to wench the jet ski forward to liftthe jet ski and said platform assembly to the second position.
 17. Thejet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said platform assembly includes anattachment point for a cable, said lifting mechanism including a cablehaving an end attachable to said attachment point for winching saidplatform assembly to the second position.
 18. The jet ski lift of claim1, wherein said flotation includes a pontoon.
 19. The jet ski lift ofclaim 1, wherein said flotation includes a roof.
 20. The jet ski lift ofclaim 1, wherein said parking bay has a maximum length less than 4meters.
 21. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said parking bay has amaximum width less than 1.5 meters.
 22. A lifting assembly for lifting ajet ski out of water, the lifting assembly comprising: a frame includingfirst and second opposed runners, said runners being parallel to oneanother and being in a fixed, unmovable position relative to oneanother; and a platform assembly having an upper surface configured toreceive the jet ski thereon, said platform assembly including a firstportion moveable within at least a portion of said first runner, saidplatform assembly including a second portion moveable within at least aportion of said second runner, said platform assembly being diagonallymoveable along said frame from a first, submerged lower horizontalposition to a second, elevated horizontal position out of the water. 23.The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second portionsof said platform assembly each include a roller configured to rotatealong the respective first and second runners.
 24. The lifting assemblyof claim 22, wherein said first and second portions of said platformassembly are each configured to slide along a respective portion of saidfirst and second runners while said platform moves from the firstposition to the second position.
 25. The lifting assembly of claim 22,wherein said first and second portions of said platform assembly areeach configured to telescopically engage the respective first and secondrunners.
 26. The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said first andsecond runners are connected to one another by a brace, said first andsecond runners being at an angle to said brace.
 27. The lifting assemblyof claim 22, wherein said platform assembly includes two parallel barsconfigured to engage the jet ski.
 28. The lifting assembly of claim 22,further comprising a lifting mechanism configured to move either the jetski and/or said platform assembly from the first position to the secondposition.
 29. The lifting assembly of claim 28, wherein said liftingmechanism includes a wench.
 30. The lifting assembly of claim 29,wherein said wench is manually operable.
 31. The lifting assembly ofclaim 28, wherein said lifting mechanism is electrically powered. 32.The lifting assembly of claim 31, wherein said lifting mechanismincludes a safety switch configure to shut off said lifting mechanismonce a jet ski being lifted on said platform assembly has reached apredetermined position.
 33. The lifting assembly of claim 31, whereinsaid lifting mechanism is powered at least in part by a solar panel. 34.A method for lifting a jet ski out of water, the method comprising:engaging a jet ski with a platform configured to receive the jet ski,the platform being secured to a structure; and moving the platformdiagonally from a first, submerged position to a second, elevatedposition out of the water without pivoting the platform relative to thestructure.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the platform is movedwhile maintaining the platform in a substantially horizontal position.36. The method of claim 34, wherein the platform is moveably secured toa frame attached to a docking bay.
 37. The method of claim 36, whereinthe moving of the platform includes sliding the platform along a portionof the frame.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein the moving of theplatform includes rolling a portion of the platform along a portion ofthe frame.